Obituary of Kenneth Lesley Clayton

Kenneth Lesley Clayton has always said he has had a full and wonderful life. Ken passed away on November 17, 2010. He was born April 10, 1922 in Kuna, Idaho to Arthur J. Clayton and Hallie Dean Herring Clayton. The family moved back to Missouri where Ken completed high school in Brunswick. While in high school, Ken participated in basketball, band, and other activities. He was one of four first Eagle Scouts in Brunswick. Ken took his pre medicine studies at the University of Missouri and then transferred to Kirksville, Mo., where he obtained his doctorate's degree in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. Ken and Freda were married on June 16, 1945, the same day he received his doctorate degree. Ken took his internship in his college hospital and one year later they moved to Spirit Lake where he began his practice. Ken and Freda have two sons, Kirk Lesley of Wichita, Kansas, and Chris Alan of Mesa, Arizona. Ken was active in his church serving in many areas including teaching Sunday school and being the Sunday school superintendent. He was active in the scouting program both in the Cub Scout level and the Boy Scout level. He received the coveted Silver Beaver award from the district scouting organization. During his 40 years of Osteopathic medical practice he delivered over 1500 babies. This was the happiest part of his practice. This included 10 sets of twins and one set of triplets. He was active in Dickinson County Memorial Hospital, serving on many committees and served two years as the Chief of Staff. Ken was elected president of his state Osteopathic Medical Association in 1971. Ken was the Dickinson county coroner/medical examiner for twenty years. He also served as the chairman of the Dickinson county board of health for twenty two years, and on the State Board of Health for six years. He was a charter member of the Spirit Lake Kiwanis Club, serving as president in 1963 and recipient of their Citizen of the Years in 1964. Ken retired in September 1986. Since then he has spent his time enjoying the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes as well as traveling with his wife to visit their children. He has also been active in a computer user group that met weekly. When Ken retired, Freda gave him a watch with the inscription: "This man walks with God." Ken walked hand to hand with God all of his life. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Art. He is survived by his wife, Freda, and sons, Kirk Lesley and wife Brenda of Wichita, Kansas, and Chris Alan and wife, Vicki of Mesa, Arizona. He is also survived by four grandchildren, T.J. and wife Katrina, Adam, Krystal and her husband Ryan Tucker and Brandon. Faith and Taylor are his great grandchildren, and his brother, Bob Clayton, of Brunswick, Missouri. Although Ken did have a full and wonderful life we his family love him and will dearly miss him. His passion for his chosen career and love of people was evident in his everyday life.